In this video, we introduce you to John, a man who has found himself on the streets of St. Louis, forced to “fly a sign”—a term used by those who stand at intersections with a cardboard sign, pleading for help from passing drivers.
John’s story is a poignant reminder of the vulnerability and desperation faced by countless individuals experiencing homelessness in our cities.
Once living a stable life, John’s world turned upside down when he lost his job and his health deteriorated. “I was doing pretty good in life, but after my mom passed, everything went downhill from there,” John explains, reflecting on the personal tragedies that led him to this point.
Now, he spends his days at a busy intersection, trying to scrape together enough money to survive. “I got to do any and everything I can to survive,” he says, capturing the dire circumstances that so many face.
Despite the common misconception that people in his situation make a lot of money, John reveals the harsh reality: “People think you make all kinds of money out here, but you don’t. You get spit on, you get hot water poured on you, belittled… but you gotta do what you gotta do.”
John’s resilience shines through, even as he endures the daily humiliation and dangers that come with flying a sign. His message to those driving by is a sobering one: “They ain’t nothing but a paycheck away from being out here themselves.”
This video not only shares John’s personal story but also challenges viewers to reconsider their perceptions of the people they see on street corners every day. Watch John’s story, share it with others, and help us bring attention to the often-overlooked realities of homelessness in America. Together, we can make a difference.
